Windows Live Messenger 8.1 Beta
Messenger Beta News and Notes
20-Sep, 2006
 
 
 
The Messenger 8.1 beta is rolling right along and we have been pleased with the feedback we've gotten thus far and the level of participation in the newsgroups. Keep up the great work everyone! We've got a number of important items to announce this week so be sure to read them all.
 
 
Automatic Update Testing - We've got another auto update test we need to conduct with you. Within the next two days you should be asked to install build 8.1.068. Here are some important details about this update you should understand. 
 
Build 8.1.068 is identical to build 8.1.066. No new bug fixes or other changes were made.
This update will be mandatory. Meaning, once released you will not be able to sign in until you have downloaded and installed the update.
If you don't receive the prompt to update, please file a bug and inform the beta team. DO NOT install from any other source.
We are aware of an issue with auto updating on Vista. In order for the installation to work, you have to make sure Messenger running in administrator mode. To do this:
 
 
Locate the short-cut to Windows Live Messenger or the msnmsgr.exe
Right click the short-cut to Windows Live Messenger or the msnmsgr.exe and select run as administrator
We are investigating this bug further but in the meantime you will need to do this in order for the update to work on any Vista machine.
 
 
Bug Bash - We will kick off a bug bash today, 20-Sep and it will conclude on 26-Sep. This is another great opportunity to win fabulous prizes. There will be lots of ways to win prizes so read the rules carefully.  Click here to learn more.
 
 
Update to Vista Crash Issue Workaround - Many of you on Vista RC1 continually get a crash with the Messenger 8.1 beta. This is the result of an issue between Vista, Shockwave and Messenger 8.1. Last week we provided a couple of workarounds to help testers who are hitting this issue. We found that some people had trouble with the workarounds and required more assistance.  We have updated the workarounds to hopefully take care of all who are experiencing this issue. Click here to view them.
 
"Join the Newsgroups" Contest Winners - Thanks to all who took the time to join the newsgroups and share a little about themselves. It is incredible how diverse the Windows Live Messenger beta community is.  This is truly a worldwide community for a worldwide product.  We hope all of you continue to take part in newsgroup discussions and if you have yet to join, do so without further delay.
 
drum roll..  Without further ado, here are the winners (by Connect Handle)
 
theeggman
Cooler
borrah
sunsh
vibeboy
 
Congratulations to the winners. A member of the beta team will be contacting you shortly with information on how to claim your prize.
 
If you do not wish to receive e-mail messages from Microsoft Connect in the future, please send e-mail to [email protected] with the subject line: "Remove From List." Information on how to contact Microsoft Connect support is found on the Contact Us page within the Microsoft Connect Web site.This is an unmonitored e-mail address, so please do not reply to this message.